Aruba Donkey Sanctuary

Founded in 1997 as a non-profit and completely volunteer run organization, our mission is simple. Save the Donkeys! Although not originally native to the small island of Aruba, they have existed here for 500 years having been the primary mode of transportation until cars began to be introduced on the island in increasing numbers. At that point, many Arubans no longer had the need for their formerly beloved donkey, and sadly in the 1970's, a dangerous and rapidly spreading illness nearly caused their extinction leaving behind a population of only 20 wild donkeys.

As their population slowly began to increase, so increased the human population and with it came more and more vehicles. It became a common occurrence for donkeys to be found injured or killed alongside the roads, creating a hazard for humans and donkeys alike.

Occasionally there were cases of poor, innocent donkeys being intentionally harmed and mistreated. It's a terrible fate that no animal should endure.

Thankfully they now have a safe haven where each donkey is given a name and receives food and water, shelter, quality medical care and lots of love. We highly encourage you to plan a visit to the Sanctuary and see for yourself what so many others have discovered, that there's more to a donkey then what you think you knew.

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